Kesha and Dr. Luke have settled their defamation lawsuit out of court, ending a fraught decade-long legal battle stemming from Kesha’s claim that her former producer had sexually assaulted her.
In 2014, Kesha filed a civil suit against Dr. Luke and accused him of drugging and raping her in 2005, while also saying he had abused her “sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally” since she was 18. The producer, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, filed a defamation lawsuit against Kesha days later, accusing her of fabricating the story to get out of her recording contract with him.
Kesha dismissed her suit in 2016. In 2021, a judge ruled Dr. Luke isn’t a public figure — meaning he had an easier path to proving he was defamed.
In 2014, Kesha filed a civil suit against Dr. Luke and accused him of drugging and raping her in 2005.
(Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
In a joint statement announcing the settlement Thursday, Kesha said, “Only God knows what happened that night,” while Dr. Luke again proclaimed innocence.
“As I have always said, I cannot recount everything that happened,” Kesha said. I am looking forward to closing the door on this chapter of my life and beginning a new one. I wish nothing but peace to all parties involved.”
“While I appreciate Kesha again acknowledging that she cannot recount what happened that night in 2005, I am absolutely certain that nothing happened,” added Dr. Luke. “I never drugged or assaulted her and would never do that to anyone. For the sake of my family, I have vigorously fought to clear my name for nearly 10 years. It is time for me to put this difficult matter behind me and move on with my life. I wish Kesha well.”
Kesha’s latest album, “Gag Order,” was released on May 19. It’s her final album for Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe label imprint. She’s scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Palladium on Nov. 18.
Dr. Luke has multiple songwriting and productions credits on the forthcoming Kim Petras album, set for release tonight at 9 p.m. PT. He co-wrote and produced Lil Durk’s “All My Life” feat. J. Cole, which currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
This is story will be updated.